bp and ConocoPhillips have agreed terms for ConocoPhillips to acquire a 42% interest in BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited (BP ECKL), supporting the redevelopment of several large-scale oil fields in the Kirkuk area of northern Iraq.

The partnership, to be signed as part of the official visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to Washington DC, brings together complementary capabilities and expertise, while reflecting bp's disciplined approach to capital allocation.

Chief executive officer Meg O’Neill said: “Kirkuk is a world-class resource base that can support Iraq’s long-term energy ambitions while creating value for both the country and bp. This partnership with ConocoPhillips brings together two great teams and positions us well for the next phase of redevelopment. We’re being deliberate about where we invest, backing high-quality resources that can deliver long-term value for our shareholders."

The Development and Production Contract covers an initial phase of oil and gas production of more than 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent from the Baba and Avanah domes of the Kirkuk oil field and the adjacent Bai Hassan, Jambur and Khabbaz fields in Federal Iraq, all currently operated by the Northern Oil Company (NOC). The contract area also includes additional exploration potential.

bp's relationship with Iraq spans more than a century and includes decades of experience in both the north and south of the country. Following completion of the transaction, bp will remain the majority shareholder in BP ECKL and a key participant in the contractor group.

About bp

bp (NYSE: BP, LSE: BP.L) is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, serving millions of customers every day in more than 80 countries, and employing nearly 85,000 people. BP's business segments are oil and gas exploration & production, and refining & marketing. In alternative energies, BP has low- and no-carbon wind and biofuels businesses. Through these activities, BP provides fuel for transportation; energy for heat and light; services for motorists; and petrochemicals products for plastics, textiles and food packaging. It has strong positions in many of the world's hydrocarbons basins and strong market positions in key economies.

About ConocoPhillips

As a leading global exploration and production company, ConocoPhillips is uniquely equipped to deliver reliable, responsibly produced oil and gas. Our deep, durable and diverse portfolio is built to meet growing global energy demands. Together with our high-performing operations and continuously advancing technology, we are well positioned to deliver strong, consistent financial results, now and for decades to come.